Poynings Pumpkin Patch – Everything you need to know

Pumpkin Picking at Poynings. We do love to go Pumpkin picking in Sussex this time of year it is our family tradition to go to a pumpkin farm. Last year the entire family went to Poynings Pumpkin Patch. This is one of our most local pyo pumpkins location and is relatively new having only been going for a couple of years. But each year it gets better and better. And is one of the best pumpkin patches we have been to, we will be visiting again this year to pick our Halloween pumpkin. Here’s everything you need to know about pumpkin picking at Poynings in the Autumn months. 

Where is Poynings Pumpkin Patch

Poynings is a small village that is nestled against the South Downs in the South Downs National Park, West Sussex. The village is about five miles north-west of Brighton and has beautiful views of the South Downs. With easy access to the A23, there is also a petrol station and garden centre close by. Poynings Pumpkin Patch is on the outskirts of the village. There is a small roundabout which either goes into the village itself or towards the A23 on Poynings Road. The patch is located right on Poynings roundabout. The entrance to the field is right on the roundabout and you will a pumpkin sign to guide you. Use postcode BN45 7AP to guide you. 

Parking at Poynings Pumpkin Patch

Because of where it is located the only parking available is in the field right next to the pick your own pumpkin field. The good news is that the owners have thought about this and there is plenty of free parking and plenty of room to manoeuvre. And in years gone by some effort has gone into making it accessible with a metal driveway. However, it is a field and not purpose-built. It is also on a slope and because of where it is located at the foot of the downs it tends to get muddy. Saying that parking in a field is part and parcel of going pumpkin picking and it is good that there are plenty of places to park.

Top Tips for Pumpkin Picking at Poynings

• It is Autumn so it goes without saying that like many other pumpkin patches we have visited over the years it can get pretty muddy. So appropriate footwear is a must. Poynings Pumpkin Patch is popular and if there has been rainfall a lot of people mean mud and welly boots.
• Do not forget to bring some sturdy bags or a box to transport the pumpkins back into your house when you get home. 
• By arriving early you will also get the best opportunity to pose for photos. Although last year when we visited there were few what I would call staged shots that didn’t stop Harry from finding the sign entertaining enough to pose.
• When looking for a pumpkin make sure you pick one which is not damaged in any way. Pumpkins should be hard to the touch. And they should sound hollow when you tap them. Many are grown on their side and can be a bit flat or misshapen for this reason. Check to make sure the side that has been lying on the ground is not soft and mushy. This will help to make sure you have chosen a fresh pumpkin.
• Like all other pumpkin patches be prepared to spend some time looking for your perfect pumpkin. This can take a long time if you go later in the season. Normally we spend around an hour and a half looking for a pumpkin, paying and indulging in something hot to eat and drink. 

Pumpkin Picking at Poynings

One of my favourite things about pumpkin picking in Poynings is the huge variety of pumpkins and squashes which they grow. For the traditionalist, they still sell bright orange pumpkins for pumpkin carving. And some of them are huge! In fact, the boys had a competition last year to see who could find th largest pumpkin and convince mum and dad to buy it. Both the carved pumpkins below came from Poynings Pumpkin patch and they were the best pumpkins we had ever had.

But for me, I like all the different colours, shapes and sizes. I also like that you can pick eating varieties as well as those for the kids to carve. Expect to find Turbans, Orangetti, Jarahdale, Kabocha, Italian Stripe, Onion Squash, Great White, and Cinderella pumpkins. Plus this year it looks like they have some black varieties which look very striking. Of course, many of these are too pretty to carve. But they make a great pumpkin display before you cook with them and make some roasted squash soup or pumpkin pie. 

The different varieties are all sown together. So no matter where you head to in Poynings Pumpkin Patch you should be able to see lots of different types in the acres of pumpkin fields. The small ones are also a favourite with the boys and I really need to watch to make sure they do not keep putting little ones in the wheelbarrow without me noticing. Which is their favourite trick. 

Food & Facilities 

Poynings like many others comes with wheelbarrows, they have a good number all lined up and waiting for you. However, in busy times, you may have to wait to have access to one. It is a large field so it is definitely worth waiting for one. We tend to arrive early to make sure we avoid this. Of course, if you have a wheelbarrow though the temptation is to fill it up. The car park is right next door to where you pick your pumpkins which is good for younger children.

There is also a food and burger van near the entrance which sells hot food such as bacon sandwiches, hot dogs and local food. As well as hot drinks, hot chocolate and barista coffee. Prices are reasonable and there is a little bit of seating and hay bales to sit on. It is a good way to fill little bellies up after an hour or so of hunting for pumpkins. 

The pumpkin patch does not allow dogs. If you have an assistance dog then it would be worth checking with them via their social media channels. There are no toilet facilities on site to bear this in mind with children. 

Opening Times & Prices 

Poynings Pumpkin Patch has just released their opening times for 2023. These are the October weekends of  Sunday 1st October,  Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th October, Friday 13th – Sunday 15th October. Along with half term which runs from the 21st to the 29th of October this year. They are also open on Friday 20th and up to Tuesday 31st October. Opening hours are 10 am to 4 pm and free entry. Unlike so many other pumpkin patches now. It is best to keep an eye on their Facebook page for the latest updates. 

Generally, pumpkins are sold by size with prices starting from as low as £2 for the small ones. The larger the pumpkin the more expensive it is. There is normally some sort of way of easily measuring the pumpkins. Either with different-sized boxes or holes. At Poynings Pumpkin Patch they use holes which are also useful for putting your head through… 

Related Blog Posts

If you have enjoyed this blog post then you may find some of these others of interest. Although Poynings is one of the best places to pick a pumpkin. We have also visited the pumpkin picking patch Sompting and enjoyed the themed activities and tractor rides at Tulleys Farm in recent years. Last year we also visited Rogate Pumpkin Patch for the first time. Both of which are also in West Sussex.

• Pumpkin Picking in Sussex

• Pumpkin Picking in Surrey

• Halloween Events in Surrey

• Halloween Events in Sussex

Have you got a local pumpkin patch or a pop up farm? Wishing you lots of pumpkin fun until the end of October.

If you’ve liked this post please follow me on my social media channels:

Mudpie Fridays: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | LinkedIn

PIN for later – Poynings Pumpkin Patch – Everything you need to know